---
Nobody made a sound; Vino and Vira fell silent.
Even though Vino had released his grip on Vira's arm, his wife remained silent.
Only the ticking of the clock on the wall could be heard.
The noise from Vino's office was also gone, maybe Herman had finished working there.
Vira's slightly parted lips remained quiet.
She was still sitting on her husband's thigh, while Vino continued looking at her face with hope.
Vira couldn't answer. She wasn't ready to accept her husband's request, but she wasn't ready to say no either.
The woman took a deep breath, then closed her eyes. Slowly, she lowered her head, pushing her lips forward, getting closer to her husband's face.
Vino didn't stay silent.
He understood the meaning of this gesture. He raised a hand, grabbed her nape—maybe it could start with a kiss.
He massaged his wife's nape gently and warmly as their faces closed the distance
